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Graduate School

M.A. in Counseling Psychology Admission Requirements

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student

"As a younger person I had a habit of asking clarifying questions of the person speaking to me. Friends thought that made me sound like a counselor. So that habit may have been the seed for my future profession. I chose Bethel for its rigorous counseling psychology program and its Christian perspective. After examining the curriculum and hearing of Bethel's reputation, I believed that the program would prepare me to do whatever I felt called to do. My professors affirmed that conviction through their constant encouragement. I came out of the program feeling more passionate about the profession and equally confident in my skills. Bethel's standards were appropriately high, assuring us success. The faculty were extremely knowledgeable with broad field experience. The clinical orientation of the program has proven to be very valuable in my practice. I have just begun to reach for my career goal. Working with clients and seeing growth and change is my bottom line."
—Andrea Franklin, M.A., Psychotherapy & Consulting Services

 

Admission Requirements 2007-08

Applicants are admitted under the regulations of the most current catalog at the time they last enter Bethel.

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at Bethel University will consider applicants who:

  • Submit a completed Application for Admission form with the nonrefundable $25 application fee.
  • Submit official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate course work.
  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Have earned an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

  • Have successfully completed college-level subject matter prerequisites from a regionally accredited institution. Each course must have earned at least two semester credits and may have been taken at the undergraduate or graduate level.

    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Statistics
    • Eight additional semester credits in psychology
    • Nine additional semester credits in psychology and/or other behavioral sciences
  • Submit a Miller Analogies Test score report (taken within the last three years.)**
  • Submit two Admission References verifying current work or volunteer experience that indicate academic ability, character, ability to work productively with people, and potential for counseling. One academic reference is strongly preferred.
  • Submit a written Statement of Purpose.
  • Submit a Computer Documentation form. Students are required to document access to a computer with the required hardware and software for use throughout the program (see application materials).
  • Submit a  Student Immunization Record form.
  • Submit a Program Prerequisite Planning Sheet, if applicable.
  • Submit a Request for Transfer of Credit, if applicable.
  • Submit a TOEFL examination score report (required of all international applicants and all applicants whose primary language is not English). A minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test; 213 on the computer-based test; or 80 on the internet-based test.
  • Indicate acceptance of Bethel's Community Expectations by signing the application form.
  • Interview with faculty of the Department of Psychology, if requested.

NOTE: Minnesota state law requires that a criminal background check must be completed prior to any clinical practicum.

**www.MillerAnalogies.com contains the most current and complete information about the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). It includes information about applying to take the test, the contents of the test, and what happens after you have taken the test. The website also includes strategies for solving analogies, sample items, and a practice test to help test-takers prepare for the MAT. 

International Applicants: Additional Admission Requirements

An international applicant is any candidate who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a US permanent resident alien. International applicants must:

  • Submit official evaluations of foreign transcripts from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member organization (www.naces.org) or from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS International) (www.cgfns.org).
  • Submit a completed Certificate of Finances form and a copy of current bank statement(s) to show evidence of adequate funds to cover a minimum of one year’s full tuition and living expenses. 
  • If an applicant is receiving funds from a sponsor(s), submit:
    - Notarized Affidavits of Support (I-134).
    - Letters of support from sponsors.
  • Submit a copy of I-94 (applicants currently in the U.S.).
  • Submit a copy of passport (applicants currently in the U.S.).
  • Submit a copy of current visa (applicants currently in the U.S.).
  • Submit documentation of health insurance.
  • If the applicant’s primary language is not English, have a required English language evaluation as part of the admission process.

U.S. Permanent Resident Alien Applicants: Additional Admission Requirements

U.S. Permanent Resident Alien applicants must:

  • Present the applicant's Green Card.

Meeting minimal entrance requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Exceptions to minimum criteria may be made at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Students with Disabilities

Accomodations and services for students with disabilities are coordinated through the Office of Disability Services. The office serves students with various types of disabilities including physical, sensory, learning, psychiatric, systemic, and some chronic illnesses. To receive services throug this program, students must provide documentation of a disability. For further information or to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs, contact the director of disability services at at 651.635.8759 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8759. One week's notice is preferable.

Questions?

  • If you have questions regarding financial aid, call 651.638.6241 or 800.255.8706, ext. 6241 and identify yourself as a graduate applicant.
  • For questions regarding all other payment options, call 651.638.6428 or 800.255.8706, ext. 6428 and identify yourself as a graduate applicant.
  • For all other questions, contact an admissions advisor at 651.635.8000 or 800.255.8706, ext. 8000.